The scheme is run by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and will follow on from the current 2012 trials, which are demonstrating virtually zero discards for species being trialled.
Successful vessels will be allocated additional quota for the relevant species subject to the outcome of negotiations at December Council. An exemption from effort or additional kilowatt days will also be considered for applicants operating in the North Sea.
Remote electronic monitoring (REM) equipment, including CCTV, will be used to document and quantify the effectiveness of the catch quota system at reducing discards across a range of fisheries. Vessels may occasionally be required to carry MMO observers.
Vessel owners who expect to fish in the North Sea or Western Waters from 1 January to 31 December 2013 can apply. Only English-registered vessels that are members of of a producer organisation are eligible.
| Applicants are invited to bid for additional quota for the stocks they are interested in. Detailed information on the stocks that may be available is contained in the information packs, which contain details of the project, contract and terms and conditions. Available stocks will be subject to the outcome of December Council but applications may be withdrawn if terms are not agreeable. |
To apply vessel owners should complete an application form that is part of the following information packs:
- North Sea stocks application form and information pack (PDF 196 KB)
- Western Waters stocks application form and information pack (PDF 250 KB)
- Terms and conditions (PDF 87 KB)
Alternatively, an application form or information pack is available from ukcatchquota@defra.gsi.gov.uk
